Hygienic amusement bath and swimming-school.



No. 767,124. PATENTBD AUG. O, 1904.

O. P. RANDOLPH. HYOIENIO AMNSBMBNT BATH AND SWIMMING SCHOOL.

APPLIOATION FILED FEB. 17. y1903. N0 MDEL. 3 SHEETS-SHEET 1A PATENTED AUG, 9, 1904.

C. PQ RANDOLPH. HYGIENIU AMUSEMENT BATH AND SWIMMING SCHOOL.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 17. 1903.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

NO MODEL.

PATBNTED AUG. 9, 1904.

O. P. RANDOLPH. HYOIENIO AMUSBMBNT BATH ANO SWIMMING SCHOOL.

APPLICATION FILED PEB. 17. 1903.

3 SHBETS-SHBET 3.

N0 MODEL.

ULABEORN P. RANDOLPH, OF

Patented. August 9, 1904.

linien.

LOS ANGELES, (lALlFORNIA.

HYGIENIC AMUSEMENT BATH AND SWHVHVHNGMSCHOOL.

SPECIFICATON forming part of Letters Patent Nol 767,124, dated August 9, 1904.

Application tiled February 17, 1903. Serial No. 143,867. (No model.)

To all whom 'llt muy concern.

Be it known thatl, CLAnonN l). RANnoLPi-u a citizen ot' the United States, residing at Los Angeles, in the county of Los Angeles and State of California, have invented a new and useful Hygienic Amusement Bath and Swimming-School, oi' which the fol lowingis a speci* iieation.

My invention relates particularly to an apparatus devised for the purpose of providing various amusements and at the same time affording a hygienic exercise and facilities for bathing.

One object or' my invention is to provide a device of the character described in which the several elements are combined in such a way that they operate to produce an agreeable and at the same time a beneiicial and healthy ctt'ect on the persons who use the various apparatuses in the proper order and manner.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel and attractive device in which persons may bathe and receive instruction in swimming. YIt also furnishes apparatuses one of which may be termed an aquatic merrygoround and the other an equestrian merry-goround- The equestrian merry-goround may be taken advantage of by persons who do not desire violent exercise, and it also may be used by bathers and swimmers when they desire a rest or change.

Another object is to provide a device oi the character described which will accommodate itself to people of various inclinations. For instance, those who desire considerable exercise may be accommodated by the swimmingbath or the swimming-instructor, while those who do not desire so much exercise may take advantage oi' either of the merry-go-rounds.

The invention also includes provision for seating a number oi' persons who may wish to witness the spectacle pr sented by the operation lof the various devices comprised in the invention.

Another object is to provide a means whereby, if desired, a theatrical or other pcrformance may be given without rearranging or disturbing any ot' the apparatus comprised in the invention.

Another object is to provide a device for securing a proper degree o'l'l shade and sun.

Another object is to provide a construction whereby one oil the merry-go-rounds may be stopped without interfering with the operation of the other merry-go-round Another object is to provide :in compact form an aigiparatus oli amusement and of ahygienic and instructive nature which may be used in all seasons and in any climate.

Another object is to provide aconstruction whereby the swimmers and leathers while in view of the auditorium are vet prevented from mingling with the persons in the auditorium, thus insuring that the .seats in the auditorimn will not become wet orsoiled by water dripping from the bathers.

Another object is to provide an inland artiiieial beach.

Referring to the drawings, Figure I is a vertical sectional view taken diametrically through the hygienic amusement bath and swimniing-school. Fig. llV is a plan view of the device with the roof removed, horses removed, chairs removed, and part oi' the wall broken away. Fig. lll is a detail of the track mechanism which supports the merry-gorounds. Fig. IV is a detail showing the manner in which the horses are rocked. Fig. V is a detail, partially in section, showing the manner in which the eiliect ol waves upon the SO ical swirinning-instructor, an auditorium, and

an artificial beach.

Referring to the plan view of the invention, l0 designates a circular sandy portion, which will hereinafter be termed the artilieial beach.7

and concentric therewith is a circular tank l1, which 1s iilled with water and which forms part of the aquatic n1erry-gorou1nl to be Surrounding this artificial beach l() 1 galloping action.

hereinafter described. Adjoining the tank 11 is a larger and wider circular tank 12, which is concentric with the tank 11 and which will bc termed the swimming-tank. The swimming-tank is of sufcient size to accommodate `a subterranean passage-way 14, which is provided with a descending stairway 15 and an ascending stairway 16. The subterranean passage-way goes Linder the swimming-tank 12 and the tank 11 of the aquatic merry-goround.

The auditorium is formed by means of an inclined platform 17, upon which suitable seats 18 may be placed. The platform 17 may lie over the outer beach and preferably extend half-way around the inclosure.

19 designates a fixed center post, to which the merry-go-rounds are revolubly connected. The equestrian merry-go-round may comprise a platform 20, which is journaled to the center post 19, as shown in Figs. I and II. The center post is preferably formed with a shoulder 21, upon which rests the hub 22 of the platform 20. In order to minimize friction at this point, ball-bearings 23 may be provided` if desired. The platform 2O is circular, and arranged at intervals along its outer edge on the under side thereof are a series of casters 24. The periphery of the platform 2O is provided with a concave groove, as at 25, to take the driving-cable. The casters 24 rest upon and travel around a circular track 26, which is supported by a series of posts 27.

'28 .designates horses which may be suitably mounted upon the platform 2() to partake of a This action is accomplished in any desired manner. Fig. IV shows the horses pivoted to a standard 30, while an eccentric 31, carried by the shaft of the caster 24, imparts an oscillatory movement to an eccentric-rod 32, which is connected to the horse at 33.

The aquatic merry-go-round comprises a series of boats 40, which iioat in the tank 11, each boat being connected to the under side of the platform 20 by means of apair of connections 41. The connections 41 are .preferably attached at points amidships to opposite gunwales of the boat. In order to produce the eect of waves upon the` boats, the bottom of the tank 11 may be formed in an undulating surface 42, as shown in Fig. IV.

4.3is a roller mounted on a post` 44, which is attached to the keel of the boat near one end, as the prow. The roller 43 rests upon the undulating bottom 42 of the tank and imparts a gradual rock to the boat as the boat vthe tendency would beto force the boat slightly backward or check it momentarily, which would also cause it to rise a trifle to correspond with the upward movement of the rear ends of the rods or connectors. As soon, however, as the roller would start down the incline on the other side the weight f the boat with its load would have avtenden'cy to force it forward,which would cause the rods to move toward a more perpendicular position. The passage of 'the roller over the corrugations would, therefore, cause the boat to have a slightly-irregular forward movement by reason of the location of the roller near one end and the rearwardinclination of the pivoted rods. v

In order to gain access to the equestrian merry-goround, a bridge 44a is provided, which extends from an aisle in the auditorium to the outer edge of the platform 20. The bridge may be supported by ropes 45, which pass over sheaves 46 near the roof. The ropes may be fastened to a cleat 47. The bridge may be hoisted into the position shown by dotted lines in Fig. I when desired.

The mechanical swimming-instructor comprises a ring-shaped frame 52, which is provided on its under surface with an outer and IOO inner row of casters 53. The inner row of casters 'may rest upon and travel around a track 54, which may be supported by suitable brackets 55, vthe brackets 55 beingattached to the posts 57. rIhe outer row of casters may rest upon and travel along a track 56, which may be supported by suitable posts 57 Interposed between the inner edge of the frame 52 and the outer edge vof the track 26 are antifriction means comprising suitable ball-bearings 58. The outer rim of the frame 52 may be grooved, as at 59, to receive a driving-cable. Suspended at suitable intervals underneath the frame 52 are a series of rings 60, which hang close to the surface of the water in the tank 12. These rings may be carried by flexible connections 61, which may be attached at62 to the under side of the frame 52.

A person who desires to learn to swim may rest his chin upon the ring 60, which will sup' port his head in about the proper position relatively to the surface of the water, and as the ring is carried around in a circle by the movable frame 52 the pupil isdrawn through the water at a proper speed, being allowed the free use of his arms and legs to practice the proper swimming motions. At the same time he is prevented from sinking by the ring 60. rIhe ring is suspended at a point near the outer wall of the tank l2, so that a sui'licient space is allowed alongl the inner wall for the use of persons who are capable of swimming and who do not desire to use the rings 60. If desired, the rings" 60 may be grasped by the hands and the body thus drawn through the water as an agreeable diversion.

The vertical walls of the house may be of glass entirely or of other material, or they may be of alternating sections of glass and opaque building' material, which will produce an agreeable amount of shade within the inclosure, accommodatingI persons who desire the sun -as well as those who wish the shade.

Persons may lie upon the artiiieial beach and take a sun-bath, or they may lie upon the beach in the shade.

The alternate sections of glass and opaque material enable swimmers resting on the beaches to change quickly from shade to sun or to lie with the head and 'face in the shade while the rest of the body is in the sun.

The main portions of the apparatus are intended to be used during the day-time, and in the evening, if desired, the horses 28 may be removed from the platform 20, the bridge 44i hoisted, and, with the platform utilized as a stage, a theatrical performance may be given, the audience being seated upon the seats 1 8 in the auditorium.

The aquatic and equestrian inerry-go-rounds are both operated coincidently, the platform 2() beingl driven by means or' a cableO. The cable 7() may pass out through the walls of the inclosure and be driven by an engine or mechanical motor. (Not shown.) rl`he frame 52, which propels the swimming-instructor, may be driven by a cable 7 3, which also passes out through the walls of the auditorium. T he cable 73 may be driven from the same engine or from a separate engine, and l contemplate in operating the apparatus to run the mechanical swimming-instructor continuously, but to run the equestrian merry-go-round and the aquatic merry-go-round for short intervals only., For instance, they may operate 'for live minutes and then stop for a brief period, thereby allowing the people to get on and oii. By operating the mechanical swimming-instructor from a separate cable it will be seen that its action is independent of the merrygo-round, so that the swimmers are not disturbed by the frequent starting and stopping of the merry-go-rounds.

It' desired, the space underneath the .inclined ioor 17 of the auditorium may be utilized as bath-houses.

inasmuch as the apparatus is all contained under one roof, the interior may be heated, ii desired, thus allowingI the device to be used irrespective of the climate or atmospheric conditions.

the tanks may be heated. l have not shown a heating apparatus, as such apparatus is well known and may be employed at pleasure.

Fig. VI shows the manner in which undue strain on the bearings of the circular frame 52 is relieved. 8O designates an idler supported by a bracket 81. rlhe cable 73 passes over the idler 8O and is returned thereon, while a considerable portion of the :frame 52 is gripped by the cable. Thus the strains applied to the frame 52 by the cable are frictional only and cause the frame to be revolved, while the idler serves as an antii'riction device fer supporting the cable and holding it taut and prevents a drag on the bearings of the frame 52. cable 70. The idler 82 may be supported by a bracket 83. 84 designates idlers `for guiding the cable 73 at the point where it passes through the walls. 85 designates a similar pair of idlers tor supporting the cable 70.

Iam aware thatself-contained dirigiblelnaehines for supporting bathers have been invented which were propelled by the bather cr swimmer; but in my invention the support for the swimmer does not depend for its operation upon the swimmer, but is driven by a motor, so that a bather may be drawn through the water at a pleasant speed without regard to the swimmers muscular ability or skill, making possible the enjoyment oi the sport by ladies or children or any persons physically unable or disinclined to the exertion required to propel themselves.

It should be understood that I contemplate making such alterations and changes in the specific construction herein shown as are required to suit various conditions, and I do not limit myself to the exact construction and arrangement herein shown.

Having` described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is*- l. The combination ci' anV aquatic merry-goround, and a merry-goround above said aquatic merry-go-round concentric therewith and operatively connected thereto.

2. The combination of an equestrian merry- 82 is a similar idler for the p IOO IIO

go-round, and an aquatic merry-go-round concentric therewith, said aquatic merry goround being under said equestrian merry-goround and connected therewith.

3. The combination of an equestrian merrygo-round, an aquatic merry-go-round concentric therewith, said aquatic merry goy round being under said equestrian merry-go- It desired, the water contained in round and connected therewith, and an artifigo-round, and an aquatic merry-go-round concentric therewith, said aquatic merrygoround being under said equestrian merry-goround and connected therewith, a mechanical swimming-instructor concentric with said aquatic merry-go-round and connected therewith, and an artificial beach concentric with said aquatic merry-go-round.

6. In combination, an aquatic merry-goround, an equestrian merry-go-round above said aquatic merry-go-round and connected thereto, and an auditorium provided with an inclined iioor concentric with said merry-goround and connected therewith.

7. In combination, a plurality of artificial beaches, a mechanical swimming-instructor between said beaches and concentric with said artificial beaches, and a subterranean passageway under said swimming-instructor and connecting said articial beaches.

8. In combination, an artificial beach, an aquatic merry-go-round concentric with said artificial beach, a mechanical swimming-instructor concentric with said artificial beach, and a subterranean passage-way under said merry-go-round and said swimming-instructor communicating with said artificial beach.

9. In combination, a vertical post, a circular platform revolubly mounted on said post, and an aquatic merrygo-round under said platform and connected thereto.

10. In combination, a vertical post, a circular platform revolubly mounted on said post, an aquatic merry-go-round under said platform and connected thereto, and an equestrian merry-go-round mounted above said platform and operated thereby.

11. In combination, a vertical post, a circular platform revolubly mounted on said post, an aquatic merry-go-round under said platform and connected thereto, an equestrian merry-go-round mounted above said platform and operated thereby, an auditorium concentric with said merry-go-round, and a bridge connecting said auditorium with said platform.

v 12. In combination, a vertical post, a circular platform revolubly mounted on said post, and an aquatic merry-go-round under said platform and connected thereto, a circular track under said platform adjacent thereto, casters on the underside of said platform, and resting upon said circular track.

13. In combination, a vertical post, a circular platform revolubly mounted on said post, an aquatic merry-go-round under said platform and connected thereto, a circular track under said platform adjacent thereto, casters on the under side of said platform and resting upon said circular track, a mechanical swimming-instructor embracing a revoluble frame concentric with said circular track and connected therewith.

14. In combination, a vertical post, a circular platform revolubly mounted on said post, an aquatic merry-go-round under said platform and connected thereto, a circular track under said platform adjacent thereto, casters on the under side of said platform and resting upon said circular track` a mechanical swimming-instructor embracing a revoluble frame concentric with said circular track and connected therewith, a circular track under said circular frame, and a series of casters carried by said frame, and resting in saidlast-named track.

15. A mechanical swimminginstructor, comprising a body of water, a frame above the water, means to propel said frame, said means adapted to be operated by amechanical motor, and a support for a swimmer extending from said frame toward the water.

16. A mechanical swimming instructor, comprising an artificial body of water, a circular frame above the water, means to revolve said frame, and means connected with said frame for supporting a swimmer.

17. A mechanical swimming instructor, comprising a circular tank, a circular track mounted above said tank, acircular frame revolubly mounted on said track, and means connected to said frame for supporting a swimmer.

18. A mechanical swimming instructor, comprising a circular tank, a circular track mounted above said tank, a circular frame above said track, and means connected to said frame for supporting a swimmer. Y

19. A mechanical swimminginstructor, comprising a circular tank, a circular track mounted above said tank, a circular frame revolubly mounted upon said track, and a ring hung from said circular frame and lying near said tank.

20. A mechanical swimminginstructor,

' comprising a circular tank, a circular track mounted above said tank, a circular frame revolubly mounted upon said track, a ring suspended from said circular frame .and lying near said tank, and foraminous partitions inclosing said tank.

21. An aquatic merry-go-round, comprising an artificial body of water having an undulating bottom, a boat, a roller connected to said boat near one end and resting upon said undulating bottom, a revoluble platform above said body of water, and connections from said platform to said boat.

22. An aquatic merry-go-round, comprising an annular tank, having a bottom which is provided with a series of undulations, a boat in said tank, a roller connected to the boat near one end, said roller resting upon said undulations, a revoluble platform above said boat, and rearwardly-inclined pivotal connections extending from said platform to the boat.

28. An aquatic merry-go-round, comprising an annular tank, having a bottom which is provided with a series of undulations, a boat IIO IIS

in said tanl, a roller connected to the boat near the prow7 said roller resting' upon said undulations, a revoluble platform above said boat, and connections extending' from said platform or frame to a point amidships of said boat.

24. In combination, an equestrian merrygo-round, a mechanical swimming-instructor outside said merry-go-round and concentric therewith, an auditorium adjacent said merrygo-rund and swimming-instr-uctor, an inclosure for said elements comprising side walls and roof, a bridge suspended from the roof lying over said swimming-instructor and uniting said auditorium and said equestrian merrygro-round.

25. In combination, a mechanical swimming;-

instructor, a merry-garoundinside said swimming-instructor and concentric therewith, means for driving said me1ry-go-round, independent means for drivingl said swimminginstructor, and antii'riction-bearings between the swinmung-instructor and the merry-geround.

26. In combination, a revoluble frame, a cable gripping a portion of the driving-:face of the frame, an antilriction device carrfyring,l the cable, the cable beingl returned on the an tifrietion device.

27. In combination, an annular revoluble frame, means for supportingl the frame, an idler. and a cable returned on the idler and gripping a considerable part of the periphery of the frame.

In testimony whereoi'l I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribingl witnesses, at Los Angeles, in the county of Los Angeles and State of California, this 11th day oi' October, 1902.

CLABEORN P. RANDOLPH.

i Witnesses:

GEORGE F. HAGKLEY, F. M. Townsnnn. 

